Unveiled back in February at the Chicago Auto Show, the third generation Honda Pilot will be available with a 3.5-liter V6 engine which now we have learned will produce 280 bhp (208 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) of torque at 4,700 rpm. The direct-injected i-VTEC engine benefits from cylinder deactivation technology and can be paired to six- and nine-speed automatic transmissions, with the latter featuring shift-by-wire with paddle shifters.

The 2016 Honda Pilot also benefits from an Intelligent Traction Management System controllable via a button from where the driver will be able to switch between various operating modes. AWD-equipped models come with Normal, Mud, Sand and Snow modes while FWD versions have Normal and Snow. Depending on selected mode, the system will adjust the transmission shift map, drive-by wire map, Vehicle Stability Assist and torque distribution for the AWD variants.

Almost 300 lbs (136 kg) lighter than its predecessor, the third-gen Pilot mid-size SUV is programmed to go on sale this summer.